Baseball cards have been a beloved part of American culture for generations. The 1952 Topps set is one of the most famous and valuable in the hobby. These cards feature colorful player photos, team logos, and stats on the back. Collectors love them because they show many baseball legends early in their careers. The 1952 Topps set was bigger than any before it, with 407 total cards. Some cards, like Mickey Mantle’s rookie card, are worth huge amounts of money today. Let’s look at why these old cards are so special and which ones are the most valuable 1952 Topps Baseball Cards for collectors.
Overview of Most Valuable 1952 Topps Baseball Cards
The 1952 Topps set changed baseball cards forever. It was the first major set Topps made, and it was much bigger than other sets at the time. The cards had bright colors and big photos that kids loved. Many great players like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Jackie Robinson had cards in this set. Some cards, especially high-number cards printed later, are very rare today. That’s why some 1952 Topps cards can be worth thousands or even millions of dollars now.
Why Are These 1952 Topps Baseball Cards Valuable?
These cards are valuable for a few reasons:
- They’re old and rare. Not many have survived in good shape for 70 years.
- They show famous players when they were young.
- The set was the first major one by Topps, which became the biggest card company.
- Some cards, like Mickey Mantle’s, are super rare and in high demand.
- The cards look nice with bright colors and big photos.
- Nostalgia makes people want to collect cards from their childhood.
What 1952 Topps Baseball Cards Are Worth Money?
Many 1952 Topps cards are worth money, but some are worth way more than others. Here are some of the most valuable:
- Mickey Mantle (#311) – The most valuable card in the set
- Willie Mays (#261) – An early card of one of the best players ever
- Jackie Robinson (#312) – A rare high-number card of a baseball legend
- Eddie Mathews (#407) – A valuable rookie card and the last card in the set
- Andy Pafko (#1) – The first card in the set, often damaged
Cards in better condition are worth more. A perfect Mickey Mantle card could be worth millions!
The Top 25 Best and Most Valuable 1952 Topps Baseball Cards
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $2,000,000
Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps card is the king of baseball cards. It shows a young Mantle at the start of his amazing career with the Yankees. The card is super rare because many were thrown away. Topps made too many and dumped extras in the ocean!
Mantle was one of the best players ever. He could hit for power and average. He won 3 MVP awards and 7 World Series with the Yankees. His card is worth so much because he was great and the card is rare.
In 2021, a perfect Mantle card sold for $5.2 million! Even cards in okay shape can be worth $100,000 or more. It’s the dream card for many collectors. The value keeps going up as rich people want to own a piece of baseball history.
1952 Topps Willie Mays #261
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $180,000
Willie Mays was one of the best all-around players in baseball history. His 1952 Topps card shows him early in his career with the New York Giants. Mays could do it all – hit for power, run fast, and play amazing defense in center field.
This card is from Mays’ second year in the big leagues. He went on to hit 660 home runs and make amazing catches. The card is valuable because Mays was so great and it’s from early in the 1952 set.
A perfect Mays card sold for over $400,000 in 2022. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $10,000 or more. Collectors love this card because it shows a young version of one of the best ever.
1952 Topps Jackie Robinson #312
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $150,000
Jackie Robinson changed baseball forever when he broke the color barrier in 1947. His 1952 Topps card is from late in the set, making it rare. It shows Robinson in his prime with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Robinson was an amazing player and leader. He won Rookie of the Year and MVP awards. His number 42 is retired by every team to honor him. This card is special because of who Robinson was and how rare it is.
A perfect Robinson card sold for over $900,000 in 2021. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $20,000 or more. Collectors love this card as a piece of baseball and American history.
1952 Topps Eddie Mathews #407
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $140,000
Eddie Mathews’ 1952 Topps card is his rookie card and the last card in the set. Being the last card made it rare, as kids often damaged the last cards in their stacks. Mathews went on to be one of the best third basemen ever.
Mathews hit 512 home runs in his career. He played most of his career with the Braves in Milwaukee and Atlanta. This card is valuable because it’s Mathews’ first card and it’s so rare as the last in the set.
A perfect Mathews card sold for over $600,000 in 2020. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $30,000 or more. Collectors love this card for its rarity and as Mathews’ rookie card.
1952 Topps Andy Pafko #1
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $50,000
Andy Pafko’s 1952 Topps card is famous for being the first card in the set. Being first made it easy to damage, as it was on top of card stacks. Pafko was a good player, but the card is valuable mostly because it’s #1.
Pafko played for 17 years, mostly with the Cubs and Dodgers. He was an All-Star and helped the Braves win the 1957 World Series. This card is special because it kicked off the legendary 1952 Topps set.
A perfect Pafko card sold for over $80,000 in 2016. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $5,000 or more. Collectors love this card as the start of the most famous post-war set.
1952 Topps Yogi Berra #191
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $25,000
Yogi Berra was one of the best catchers ever and a Yankees legend. His 1952 Topps card shows him in his prime. Berra was known for his great hitting and funny sayings.
Berra won 10 World Series as a player, the most ever. He was a 3-time MVP and made 18 All-Star teams. This card is valuable because Berra was so great and loved by fans.
A perfect Berra card sold for over $50,000 in 2019. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $2,000 or more. Collectors love this card of a Yankees and baseball icon.
1952 Topps Roy Campanella #314
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $20,000
Roy Campanella was one of the best catchers ever. His 1952 Topps card is from the rare high-number series. Campanella played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and was a star before his career was cut short by an accident.
Campanella won 3 MVP awards in just 10 seasons. He helped the Dodgers win the 1955 World Series. This card is valuable because Campanella was great and it’s a rare high number.
A perfect Campanella card sold for over $100,000 in 2021. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $5,000 or more. Collectors love this card of a Dodgers legend.
1952 Topps Pee Wee Reese #333
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $15,000
Pee Wee Reese was the captain of the great Brooklyn Dodgers teams of the 1950s. His 1952 Topps card is from the rare high-number series. Reese was a great shortstop and leader.
Reese played in 7 World Series with the Dodgers. He was an All-Star 10 times and is in the Hall of Fame. This card is valuable because Reese was so respected and it’s a rare high number.
A perfect Reese card sold for over $50,000 in 2020. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $3,000 or more. Collectors love this card of a Dodgers captain and Hall of Famer.
1952 Topps Duke Snider #37
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $12,000
Duke Snider was one of the best center fielders of the 1950s. His 1952 Topps card shows him as a young star with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Snider was part of the famous “Boys of Summer” Dodgers teams.
Snider hit 407 home runs in his career. He helped the Dodgers win two World Series. This card is valuable because Snider was a great player and it’s from the famous 1952 set.
A perfect Snider card sold for over $40,000 in 2019. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $2,000 or more. Collectors love this card of a Dodgers legend from their Brooklyn days.
1952 Topps Warren Spahn #33
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $10,000
Warren Spahn was one of the best left-handed pitchers ever. His 1952 Topps card shows him with the Boston Braves. Spahn went on to win more games than any other lefty in history.
Spahn won 363 games in his career. He was a 17-time All-Star and won the Cy Young Award. This card is valuable because Spahn was so great and it’s from the classic 1952 set.
A perfect Spahn card sold for over $30,000 in 2018. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $1,500 or more. Collectors love this card of a pitching legend from early in his career.
1952 Topps Gil Hodges #36
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $8,000
Gil Hodges was a star first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His 1952 Topps card shows him in his prime. Hodges was known for his power hitting and great defense.
Hodges hit 370 home runs in his career. He helped the Dodgers win two World Series. This card is valuable because Hodges was a fan favorite and it’s from the famous 1952 set.
A perfect Hodges card sold for over $25,000 in 2020. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $1,000 or more. Collectors love this card of a Dodgers star who many think should be in the Hall of Fame.
1952 Topps Bob Feller #88
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $7,500
Bob Feller was one of the hardest-throwing pitchers ever. His 1952 Topps card shows him near the end of his great career with the Cleveland Indians. Feller was known as “Rapid Robert” for his blazing fastball.
Feller won 266 games and struck out 2,581 batters in his career. He missed 3 years serving in World War II. This card is valuable because Feller was a legend and it’s from the classic 1952 set.
A perfect Feller card sold for over $20,000 in 2019. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $1,000 or more. Collectors love this card of a pitching icon known for his patriotism and fastball.
1952 Topps Phil Rizzuto #11
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $7,000
Phil Rizzuto was the shortstop for many great New York Yankees teams. His 1952 Topps card shows him in his prime. Rizzuto was known for his defense and leadership.
Rizzuto won 7 World Series with the Yankees. He was the American League MVP in 1950. This card is valuable because Rizzuto was a Yankees legend and it’s from the famous 1952 set.
A perfect Rizzuto card sold for over $20,000 in 2018. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $800 or more. Collectors love this card of a Yankees star who later became a beloved announcer.
1952 Topps Richie Ashburn #216
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $6,500
Richie Ashburn was one of the best contact hitters ever. His 1952 Topps card shows him early in his career with the Philadelphia Phillies. Ashburn was known for his speed and defense in center field.
Ashburn won two batting titles and led the league in hits three times. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995. This card is valuable because Ashburn was a great player and it’s from the classic 1952 set.
A perfect Ashburn card sold for over $15,000 in 2020. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $800 or more. Collectors love this card of a Phillies legend known for his hustle and hitting ability.
1952 Topps Hoyt Wilhelm #392
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $6,000
Hoyt Wilhelm’s 1952 Topps card is his rookie card. It’s from the rare high-number series. Wilhelm went on to be one of the best relief pitchers ever, known for his knuckleball.
Wilhelm pitched until he was 49 years old. He was the first reliever elected to the Hall of Fame. This card is valuable because it’s Wilhelm’s rookie card and a rare high number.
A perfect Wilhelm card sold for over $20,000 in 2019. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $1,500 or more. Collectors love this card as the first appearance of a unique Hall of Fame pitcher.
1952 Topps Billy Martin #175
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $5,500
Billy Martin’s 1952 Topps card is his rookie card. It shows him as a young infielder with the New York Yankees. Martin went on to be known more for his fiery managing style.
Martin played on 5 World Series-winning Yankees teams. He later managed the Yankees and other teams. This card is valuable because it’s Martin’s rookie card and he’s a Yankees legend.
A perfect Martin card sold for over $15,000 in 2018. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $700 or more. Collectors love this card showing the start of Martin’s long baseball career.
1952 Topps Red Schoendienst #89
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $5,000
Red Schoendienst was one of the best second basemen of the 1950s. His 1952 Topps card shows him with the St. Louis Cardinals. Schoendienst was known for his hitting and smooth fielding.
Schoendienst was a 10-time All-Star and won two World Series. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1989. This card is valuable because Schoendienst was a great player and it’s from the famous 1952 set.
A perfect Schoendienst card sold for over $12,000 in 2020. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $600 or more. Collectors love this card of a Cardinals legend known for his consistent play.
1952 Topps Enos Slaughter #65
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $4,500
Enos Slaughter was a star outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. His 1952 Topps card shows him late in his Cardinals career. Slaughter was known for his hustle and clutch hitting.
Slaughter was a 10-time All-Star and won two World Series. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1985. This card is valuable because Slaughter was a great player and it’s from the classic 1952 set.
A perfect Slaughter card sold for over $10,000 in 2019. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $500 or more. Collectors love this card of a Cardinals legend known for his “Mad Dash” in the 1946 World Series. Slaughter ran from first to home on a single to win the game. This card shows him near the end of his time with the Cardinals, before he was traded to the Yankees.
1952 Topps Bobby Thomson #313
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $4,000
Bobby Thomson’s 1952 Topps card is from the rare high-number series. It shows him with the New York Giants. Thomson is famous for hitting the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” home run in 1951.
Thomson’s home run won the pennant for the Giants in 1951. He was a 3-time All-Star in his career. This card is valuable because Thomson was a playoff hero and it’s a rare high number.
A perfect Thomson card sold for over $12,000 in 2021. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $800 or more. Collectors love this card of a player known for one of the most famous moments in baseball history.
1952 Topps Johnny Mize #129
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $3,500
Johnny Mize was one of the best power hitters of his time. His 1952 Topps card shows him near the end of his career with the New York Yankees. Mize was known as “The Big Cat” for his smooth fielding at first base.
Mize hit 359 home runs in his career. He won 5 World Series with the Yankees. This card is valuable because Mize was a great player and it’s from the famous 1952 set.
A perfect Mize card sold for over $10,000 in 2020. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $500 or more. Collectors love this card of a Hall of Famer who played for both New York teams.
1952 Topps Nellie Fox #86
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $3,000
Nellie Fox’s 1952 Topps card shows him early in his career with the Chicago White Sox. Fox was known for his great defense at second base and his ability to make contact at the plate.
Fox was a 15-time All-Star and won the American League MVP in 1959. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1997. This card is valuable because Fox was a great player and it’s from the classic 1952 set.
A perfect Fox card sold for over $8,000 in 2019. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $400 or more. Collectors love this card of a White Sox legend known for his small size but big impact on the game.
1952 Topps Larry Doby #243
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $2,800
Larry Doby’s 1952 Topps card shows him with the Cleveland Indians. Doby was the first Black player in the American League, joining the Indians just weeks after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.
Doby was a 7-time All-Star and led the American League in home runs twice. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1998. This card is valuable because Doby was a pioneer and great player.
A perfect Doby card sold for over $7,000 in 2021. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $400 or more. Collectors love this card of a player who faced many challenges as an early Black star in the majors.
1952 Topps Bob Lemon #22
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $2,500
Bob Lemon’s 1952 Topps card shows him in his prime with the Cleveland Indians. Lemon was one of the best pitchers of the 1950s, known for his sinker and control.
Lemon won 20 games seven times and helped the Indians win the 1948 World Series. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1976. This card is valuable because Lemon was a great pitcher and it’s from the famous 1952 set.
A perfect Lemon card sold for over $6,000 in 2020. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $300 or more. Collectors love this card of an Indians pitching legend who later became a successful manager.
1952 Topps Early Wynn #320
Estimated PSA 8 Value: $2,300
Early Wynn’s 1952 Topps card is from the rare high-number series. It shows him with the Cleveland Indians. Wynn was known as a tough competitor who would do anything to win.
Wynn won exactly 300 games in his career. He was a 9-time All-Star and won the Cy Young Award in 1959. This card is valuable because Wynn was a great pitcher and it’s a rare high number.
A perfect Wynn card sold for over $5,000 in 2019. Even cards in okay shape can be worth $400 or more. Collectors love this card of a Hall of Fame pitcher known for his durability and competitiveness.
Conclusion
The 1952 Topps baseball card set is one of the most important in the hobby. It features many great players from the 1950s, including some of the biggest stars in baseball history. The Mickey Mantle card is the most valuable, but many others are worth thousands of dollars in good condition.
These cards are so valuable because they’re old, rare, and show famous players when they were young. The 1952 set was the first major one by Topps, which became the biggest card company. Some cards, especially high-number cards printed later, are very rare today.
Collecting these cards can be expensive, but it’s a way to own a piece of baseball history. Even if you can’t afford the most valuable cards, there are many others in the set that are more affordable. Whether you’re a serious collector or just a fan of baseball history, the 1952 Topps set has something for everyone.
Remember, the value of cards can change over time. It’s always a good idea to research current prices before buying or selling any valuable cards. And most importantly, collect what you love and enjoy the history and stories behind these classic baseball cards!